The Most Famous Ancient Towns in Yunnan

Yunnan’s ancient villages and towns hide slow time and unique local flavors. The Tea Horse Road in Shaxi (沙溪), the Jiangnan charm of Heshun (和顺), the fragrant ham of Nuodeng (诺邓), the Confucian heritage of Jianshui (建水), the snowy mountain landscapes of Baisha (白沙), the tea-horse traces of Nake Li (那柯里), the Bai courtyards in Xizhou (喜洲), the salt history of Heijing (黑井), the Nanzhao legacy in Weishan (巍山), and the coffee aroma in Zhukula (朱苦拉)—each one is a pearl formed over time.

If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and seek a place to unwind and experience a different pace of life, these ancient towns scattered across the landscape of Yunnan are definitely worth visiting. They each have their own unique flavor, and once you’ve visited half of them, you’ll have found enough to keep you entertained for a while!

1. Shaxi Ancient Town (大理沙溪古镇)

Once an important station on the Tea Horse Road, Shaxi still retains its tranquility. Walking into Sifang Street, you’ll find yourself stepping on smooth blue stone paths worn by time, with ancient opera stages and old locust trees above, as if you can still hear the sound of the horse bells echoing. Yujin Bridge crosses the Heihui River (黑惠江), and the water below is crystal clear. Find an old teahouse to sit in, bask in the sun, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You might even see local elders chatting leisurely, making time slow down.

2. Heshun Ancient Town (腾冲和顺古镇)

Heshun is built against the mountains with small bridges, flowing water, and whitewashed walls and black tiles, evoking the charm of the Jiangnan water towns. The old residences like the curved “Wanlouzi” (弯楼子) and the Li family ancestral hall are well-preserved, showing exquisite wood carvings and rich history. The laundry pavilion is a unique feature, where local women still wash clothes in the pavilions, offering a lively scene. Sitting by Wild Duck Lake, enjoying the view of the lake, mountains, and rice fields, is a pleasant experience. Heshun also houses one of China’s oldest rural libraries, the Heshun Library (和顺图书馆), which is worth visiting.

3. Nuodeng Ancient Village (大理诺邓古村)

Hidden deep in the mountains of Yunlong County (云龙县), Nuodeng is famous for its “Nuodeng Ham” (诺邓火腿). The village is built along the mountain slopes, with layers of old earth-walled houses. Walking on the steep stone paths in the village feels like climbing a mountain, but each step reveals a new view. Almost every courtyard has hanging ham drying in the wind, filling the air with a salty fragrance. The huge ancient banyan tree at the village entrance has witnessed the changes of the village over centuries. Visit a local farmhouse to try the authentic Nuodeng ham and rural dishes, offering a unique taste.

4. Jianshui Ancient Town (红河建水古城)

Jianshui has a long history and deep cultural heritage. Entering the ancient city, the towering Chaoyang Gate (朝阳门) marks the entrance. The narrow streets inside lead to the beautiful Zhu Family Garden (朱家花园), where exquisite wood and stone carvings can be seen. The Wen Temple (建水孔庙) is a grand Confucian temple, second only to the one in Qufu, Shandong. You can feel the strong Confucian atmosphere there. Don’t forget to try the famous Jianshui tofu, which you can find at the local BBQ stalls. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique flavor. You can also enjoy the picturesque countryside views along the way to Shuanglong Bridge (双龙桥), riding on the ancient town’s small train.

5. Baisha Ancient Town (丽江白沙古镇)

Compared to Dali’s (大研) and Shuhe’s (束河) more popular ancient towns, Baisha is quieter and more authentic. It was one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi (纳西族) people in the Lijiang (丽江) Basin and the birthplace of the Mu family’s Tusi (土司) rule. Baisha’s murals in the Dabaojiji Palace (大宝积宫) are an important window into Naxi culture, showcasing vivid colors and fine craftsmanship. Walking down the main street of the town, you can see traditional shops and houses, with the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) in the background. Many local artisans still practice traditional crafts, such as copper making and embroidery. Sitting in a café with a view of the snow mountain is very relaxing.

6. Nake Li Village (普洱那柯里村)

Nake Li is an important station on the ancient Tea Horse Road in the old Pu’er (普洱) prefecture, and was also featured in the film “A Little Home” (一点就到家). Though the village is small, it is full of charm with its flowing streams, old bridges, and wind-and-rain bridges, all well-preserved. Walking on the blue stone paths, you can still trace the footprints of the horse caravans. The village has several excellent teahouses and coffee shops, where you can sit down and sample authentic Pu’er tea or Yunnan small-leaf coffee. Surrounded by lush tea hills, the air is fresh and moist.

7. Xizhou Ancient Town (大理喜洲古镇)

Xizhou is an important representative of Bai (白族) culture in Dali (大理). The most eye-catching feature is the grand Bai courtyards, such as the Yan Family Courtyard (严家大院) and the Dong Family Courtyard (董家大院), with their tall gateways, exquisite murals, and unique architectural layouts. The Zhuangkou Tower (转角楼) is the iconic building of Xizhou. Outside the ancient town, large fields of rapeseed flowers (in spring) or lush rice paddies (in summer and autumn) can be seen. Riding a bike through the fields, with Cangshan Mountain (苍山) in the distance, is a very pleasant experience. Xizhou’s famous “Crumbled Cake” (破酥粑粑) comes in both sweet and salty varieties, and the fresh ones are especially aromatic.

8. Heijing Ancient Town (楚雄黑井古镇)

Heijing is hidden in the gorge of Lufeng County (禄丰县) and is historically famous for its salt production. It is often referred to as the “Salt Culture Museum of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.” The town is nestled between the mountains and rivers, with the Longchuan River (龙川江) passing through. The Wu Family Courtyard (武家大院) is the largest and best-preserved Ming-Qing building in the town, offering a glimpse of its former prosperity. The historical salt wells and the Ji Xiao Memorial Archway (节孝总坊) mark the salt industry’s glorious past. Walking on the red sandstone-paved streets, you will pass by ancient shops and old houses, where time seems to have stopped. The local salted chicken is famous for its unique flavor, made with locally produced salt.

9. Weishan Ancient City (大理巍山古城)

Weishan is the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国) and a historical cultural city in China. The city layout is remarkably well-preserved, with the Xinggong Tower (星拱楼), also known as “Gongchen Tower” (拱辰楼), as the central landmark. The streets are wide and straight, flanked by ancient shops and houses, giving the town a lively atmosphere. The Wen Temple, Mengyang Park, and Nanzhao Museum are all worth a visit. The local snacks are diverse, including “One Noodle” (一根面), “Pounded Pork Rice Noodles” (耙肉饵丝), and “Green Bean Cakes” (青豆小糕), which are inexpensive and delicious. The pace of life in the ancient city is slow, and the locals live leisurely lives.

10. Zhukula Village (宾川朱苦拉村)

This lesser-known but charming place is known as the “First Coffee Village in China.” With over a century of coffee cultivation history, Zhukula lies beside the Yubao River (渔泡江), with beautiful scenery. Here, you can visit ancient coffee gardens and see the weathered coffee trees, learning about how coffee is made, from seed to cup. At the village’s coffee shops, you can taste the locally grown and roasted Yunnan small-leaf coffee and experience the rural life through its unique coffee aroma.

The ancient villages and towns of Yunnan are like pearls scattered across the land of the Cloud Mountain Range, each shining with its unique brilliance. Some are quaint and peaceful, some are full of life, others carry heavy historical weight, while some are filled with distinct aromas (tea, coffee, ham). When visiting these places, don’t rush to check off landmarks. Slow down, walk the stone streets, admire the old houses, chat with the